Best Angle Grinder In 2021 Review. Safest angle grinder

Do Angle Grinders Pose Any Danger?

An angle grinder is a very potent piece of equipment. With an angle grinder, your hands, fingers, body, and face are mere inches from the spinning attachment, which could be a grinding disc, a cutting disc, or a wire wheel.

Our analysis of BLS data on workplace injuries reveals two distinct groups of people are more likely to be hurt while operating angle grinders. People in the industry are either very young and just starting out, or they have been working in the field for at least 15 years.

Accidents are more likely to occur with the first group because they have not been adequately trained and thus do not understand the procedure, do not respect the equipment, or do not know how to use the safety measures on the grinders. The second type are the staunch traditionalists who refuse to adopt new approaches. Without proper safety gear, anyone working with an angle grinder runs the risk of serious injury. Indeed, that is a proven fact. Check out Australian General Engineering

Can You Describe an Unsafe Grinding Operation You’ve Had to Deal With?

Just a few years ago, we manufactured a 5-inch grinder that could reach speeds of up to 10,000 RPM. Please note that we have installed a 5-inch guard on this angle grinder prior to shipping.

Many pieces of this equipment were suddenly being brought to us for repair. The variable speed of our 5″ grinders was set to about 6,000 RPM, and we welded 9-inch guards onto each one (RPM). In any case, we concluded, “Eh, this is not secure.” We opted for a shorter and more conventional 5-inch guard instead of the 9-inch one. We fixed the variable-speed dial and sent it back to the customer, making sure it worked properly across the board. In a series of phone calls, the customer said, “No, we’ve done it on purpose; please return our guards.” We, as the producer, had to decline their request for a change.

When we dug deeper, we found out that they were attempting to grind a root weld on a 36-inch-diameter, 6-inch-thick-walled pipe. A 5-inch angle grinder with a 9-inch wheel would not be long enough to get to the bottom of the pipe to remove the root weld. Given the critical nature of this technique to the customer’s success, it quickly made its way up the corporate food chain and was eventually approved by the company’s global safety personnel. The idea for flat-head angle grinders came from our desire to ensure that they had some form of protection while working.

Why Is Using a Wheel That Is Too Big for the Grinder So Dangerous?

An unsafe phenomenon known as kickback is greatly amplified when a wheel binds up or becomes trapped in the workpiece during operation. Because of the tool’s mass and the inertia of the spinning wheel within the motor, it will try to kick out of your hands if the tool is suddenly stopped. When this happens, it typically “kicks back” towards the operator.

What Is the Primary Function of the Guard?

If a wheel or disc were to shatter, the guard would collect the pieces and stop them from flying everywhere. When a wheel is broken, the guard must be thick enough and made of strong enough steel to contain the shards. Additionally, a locking mechanism is required to ensure that the guard will not open and expose the operator in the event of a malfunction. Most angle grinders come with a protective shield designed to prevent accidental bursts.

Once upon a time, all that was required to secure a guard to a grinder was a steel ring and a screw. We can’t allow that to keep happening. Since a locking guard is now required, we fashioned one with seven separate locking configurations to accommodate your needs. Both the right and left sides of the tool can be locked into a cutting position, with a number of grinding positions in between. But it can’t shift out of that position. Even if the disc cracked, it wouldn’t fly apart and land on you.

How to Operate an Angle Grinder?

One-on-one instruction in safe angle grinder use is required for all new operators. The operation of an angle grinder always necessitates the use of two hands, one for holding the handle and the other for supporting the tool’s weight. In order to prevent the angle grinder from grabbing and kicking back, it is best to let it get up to speed before lightly touching it to the work. At an angle of 15 degrees to 30 degrees, grinding discs are most effective.

Neither the operator nor anything else around should come into contact with the angle grinder, and the operator should avoid standing immediately behind the instrument.

Before they are set down or moved about the workplace, angle grinders must be entirely stopped rotating. Breaks should be taken on a regular basis to allow operators to rest their hands and arms.

What Makes the Angle Grinders So Dangerous?

An angle grinder is a very potent piece of equipment. With an angle grinder, your hands, fingers, body, and face are mere inches from the spinning attachment, which could be a grinding disc, a cutting disc, or a wire wheel.

Our analysis of BLS data on workplace injuries reveals two distinct groups of people are more likely to be hurt while operating angle grinders. People in the industry are either very young and just starting out, or they have been working in the field for at least 15 years.

Accidents are more likely to occur with the first group because they have not been adequately trained and thus do not understand the procedure, do not respect the equipment, or do not know how to use the safety measures on the grinders. The second type are the staunch traditionalists who refuse to adopt new approaches. You will get hurt using an angle grinder without a guard, we guarantee it. Indeed, that is a proven fact.

These accidents can be brought on by a number of factors, including but not limited to: flying abrasive and metallic particles, expelled materials, and direct contact with the tool itself. When used improperly, angle grinders can result in a wide range of injuries:

Contact with Wheel

Human flesh and bones are no match for an angle grinder, which can easily slice through stone, concrete, metal, and other hard materials. As a result, it’s crucial that the driver avoid any accidental contact with the wheel at any time.

Inadequate security increases the likelihood of this happening. Wear gloves that provide a solid grip and make sure the safety guard is in place. Be cautious and focused at all times while using an angle grinder.

Wheel Breakage

Every abrasive wheel has the potential to shatter under the right conditions. You may reduce this danger by operating an angle grinder carefully and inspecting the discs often.

By understanding the disc’s limits, you may prevent or lessen the likelihood of a disc failure. A disc should be used only while it is still in excellent shape, before its expiration date, and at or below its maximum speed. Never go over the wheel’s specified maximum speed or expiration date.

If you’re going to use abrasive wheels, be sure you put them on the right tool. The mounting of wheels in inappropriate ways, using improvised tools, or on equipment not intended for that kind of disc is a common source of accidents.

Contact with Projectiles

Both the wheel exploding (discussed in point 2 above) and the material being cut or ground might result in projectiles.

Avoiding flying debris is impossible in all cases, but you may lower your risk by selecting the appropriate cutting tool, wheel, and speed/feed settings for the material. Protective equipment, notably goggles and a hard hat, is essential for preventing injuries caused by projectiles.

Kickback

Accidents caused by kickback may be devastating. This occurs when the wheel or cutting speed of the angle grinder is incorrect, causing it to grasp and jam on the material being cut.

If this is occuring, check to be that you are using the correct wheel for the job and that the speed is correct. Increased danger from kickback is posed by wheels that are both dull and improperly fitted. Make sure you know what you’re doing when it comes to mounting wheels, and replace damaged wheels as soon as possible.

As a result of the user losing control of the tool due to a kickback, the tool may fall to the ground or strike the worker, resulting in injuries to the feet and legs. Always use proper personal protective equipment, such as goggles, a hard hat, safety shoes, and gloves.

Use the proper disc at the right speed at all times.

Entanglement

While protective equipment is essential while working with an angle grinder, improper attire might put you at risk. In the same way that entanglement is possible with any spinning disc, this one may also get stuck.

Loose apparel, such as a tie or long, baggy sleeves, might become caught between the wheel and the workpiece and cause injury. Hair should be pulled back if it’s too long. Trash and rags should be kept far from the spinning wheel so they don’t get caught up in the mechanism.

Fire

You’ll probably make a lot of sparks if you use an angle grinder. You may not be able to prohibit this from happening, but you should still take caution while using an angle grinder.

Using an angle grinder, for instance, near a refuelling station or wherever flammable or explosive materials are stored or used increases the likelihood of a fire or explosion. Sparks might potentially ignite combustible items in the vicinity.

If there are any flammable or combustible items in the vicinity, they must be moved or shielded before you start using an angle grinder.

Electric Shock

The fact that many angle grinders are electric means you should also think about the risks associated with using other types of portable electrical equipment. Avoid damage to the tool and your hands by doing a quick visual inspection before each usage, scheduling regular portable appliance testing, and keeping cords out of the path of the wheel.

What Are Some Ways Operators Customise Their Tool That Might Seem Harmless but Are Very Unsafe?

The most common practise is obviously taking off the protective shield before using the tool. Since the guard is in the way, they claim they can’t see anything. Even though this may have been the case in the past, today virtually all major manufacturers offer customizable safety options. The cutting/grinding guard is modifiable, so you can use it even when working in tight quarters.

Using the angle grinder’s main handle rather than its side handle is a close second. Because it’s inconvenient to use, many people forget to remove the side handle from the box once it’s been opened.

Protective shield must be in place at all times when using an angle grinder. If a wheel or disc were to break, the guards would keep the pieces together, as Tuerk observed.

It is imperative that you always keep your hands on the tool at hand. When swinging a bat, it’s much easier to maintain control if you have one hand on each handle.

To remedy this underutilization, we’ve designed a side handle that can be used in a variety of configurations. Our grinders are on the more compact side, but they still feature a side handle that can be attached to the left or right side. Our larger grinders have a side handle that can be mounted to the left, right, or on top of the gear housing.

The grinder’s side handle can be rotated through 180 degrees, from left to right, thanks to the multiposition attachment, which consists of a steel bar that attaches to the grinder. There are two possible orientations for the side handle, at 90 and 45 degrees from the tool’s centre of gravity. We’ve added a safety incentive for workers to keep the tool’s side handle in place at all times. As a result, there can be no more claims that it is slowing down development.

Any worker caught on a major construction site without a guard or a side handle faces immediate termination. Your job will be eliminated. If the position is unionised, you will not be able to get fired. It has been decided to dismiss you from your position as an employee. Oftentimes, it is that bad.

Even toothed saw blades and other accessories not designed for use with an angle grinder have been known to find their way into the hands of some unscrupulous individuals. Every user manual in the industry expressly forbids the use of a toothed saw blade with an angle grinder, which should come as no surprise. Put it this way: Abrasive cutting discs can cause serious harm, but a saw blade designed for 3,500 RPM that has been attached to an angle grinder spinning at 10,000 RPM poses a much greater immediate risk. If that were to occur, the situation would deteriorate rapidly. It’s real, we’ve seen it. There is a one hundred times greater chance of bribery here.

What PPE Must the Operator Wear at All Times, No Exceptions?

If you want to keep your eyes safe, you should put on a pair of wraparound safety glasses. If you want to keep your hearing, you need to take precautions. If your angle grinder isn’t particularly loud on its own, the disc’s impact on the material will cause a significant increase in volume. You should definitely wear spark-proof gloves, and you might also want to think about donning some FR outerwear. Those measures are the bare minimum that should be taken.

Even if you already wear safety glasses on the job, you may also need a full-face shield to protect yourself from debris and other hazards. When using a grinder, keep a safe distance from the tool and the workpiece, especially if the latter is shiny, as sparks may fly in your direction.

Dust respirators should be worn when working inside or in a confined space, such as a tank. Learning the material at hand is mandatory. Wearing a respirator is recommended whenever grinding is being done, but is absolutely necessary when working with stainless steel or anything that might contain a leaded component, such as a wire brush used to remove lead paint.

The user may keep both hands on the handle for a firmer grip when cutting or grinding. For a more secure hold on the grinder, the user can combine the support of the rear handle with that of the side handle. Added supervision improves safety.

What Should Operators Look for in Their Grinding or Cutting Wheel Before Work?

As soon as you remove a disc from its packaging, you should examine it for defects. Investigate for flaws like chips and cracks to ensure the item is in good condition. Throw away anything that raises suspicion. Put it back where it belongs and take it off the tool.

As soon as the wheel has been installed and checked, it should be run for at least one minute without any load on it. In that time, you’ll be able to tell if the disc has any cracks or not. Keep it facing away from store patrons and employees if you must use it there. After making a part swap, let the disc idle for one minute to make sure everything is still holding together. This recommendation can be found in the majority of angle grinder instruction manuals, but I highly doubt that many users actually follow it. Also found in the ANSI B7.1 standard for abrasives.

To Increase Safety, What Are Some General Best Practices Users Should Adopt?

Every day, after putting it away and taking it out of a tool crib, you should let your angle grinder run for one minute without applying any load. The device and its companion piece can be tested in this way. Since you can’t be sure that no one else will pick up and use the grinder while you’re away, you should take the same safety measures before taking a break.

The safest course of action if you drop your angle grinder with a part attached is to replace the part. Replacing a cutting or grinding disc is cheap compared to the cost of medical treatment for an accident.

As a result, it can be concluded that the operator is the most crucial factor in ensuring a risk-free operation. Never play the instrument if you’ve been drinking or using drugs. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, notify your supervisor or a safety officer. It is too important to disregard. We need to keep an eye out for one another.

When you’re not feeling well, it’s not wise to lug around a heavy weapon. Using these machines is physically demanding; if you start to feel tired, take a break. Stop thinking about anything other than the task at hand.

Remember that if an accident occurs while using an angle grinder, you won’t have time to react.

What Are the Safety Measures in Using an Angle Grinder?

Before Use

Take these precautions before turning on your angle grinder:

• The disc and its cover are in good working order, the handles and guard are secure, and the disc has been fitted with the appropriate flange and locking nut (a disc that has been dropped may have developed cracks and should not be used) (otherwise the disc can shatter at high speed)
• Use only the manufacturer-recommended tightening tool to protect both the disc and the grinder.
• The correct type of disc is used depending on the material being cut or ground. Grinding discs are used for grinding, and cutting discs are used for cutting.

During Use

When using an angle grinder, keep in mind the following safety guidelines:

• While grinding, be sure to employ both hands. While waiting for a grinder to “run-up” to operational speed, its weight can be supported with one hand while the other grasps the tool’s handle or the dead-man switch (if present).
• You need to be careful not to press down too hard on the workpiece with the grinder’s handle, or the disc might grab and cause the tool to kick back.
• Don’t ever grind against anything that could scratch or damage the disc.
• Keeping the object at an angle of 15° to 30° with respect to the grinding wheel is recommended. Make sure whatever it is you’re working on is securely attached to a larger object or clamped in a bench vice. Keep the work at chest level while grinding.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your back straight to enhance your stability and concentration.
• When sitting on the floor, take frequent breaks to rest your hands and arms and to prevent any grinding that may occur between your legs.
• Make sure the grinder’s disc has stopped completely before putting it down.
• Before you change discs, make sure the power is turned off to prevent electrocution.
• When not in use, unplug the grinder and place it on a bench, cutting disc up.

Conclusion

A serious injury is possible with the use of an angle grinder because of its high power. Those who have not received proper training, who do not respect the equipment, and those who refuse to adopt new methods are more likely to be injured while using an angle grinder. A 5-inch grinder that spins at up to 10,000 RPM is an example of a tool that could cause injury if used improperly. Instead of using the longer and more unusual 9-inch guard, the producer went with the shorter and more standard 5-inch one. Customers wanted to make sure they were protected while they worked, so manufacturers developed flat-head angle grinders.

The protector’s primary role is to corral the fragments and prevent them from scattering. The steel must be thick enough to contain the shards, and the guard must be locked in place so that the operator is not exposed if there is a failure. The cutting edge of the tool can be locked into place, and the grinding wheel can be set to any of several positions in between, but it cannot move from its cutting position.

Angle grinders are extremely hazardous power tools that should only be used by those who have received extensive, one-on-one training. It’s heavy, so you need both hands to hold the handle, and the tool has to be turned off before you can set it down or move it. Those who have not received proper training, who do not respect the equipment, and those who refuse to adopt new methods are more likely to be injured while using an angle grinder. Abrasive and metallic particles in the air, materials being ejected, and accidental contact with the tool itself are all potential sources of injury. It’s crucial to keep your hands off the wheel at all times.

Wheel breakage, projectile contact, kickback, entanglement, and PPE are just some of the hazards that must be considered when operating an angle grinder. To avoid disc failure and subsequent wheel damage, drivers should be aware of the disc’s lifespan and maximum speed and use it only when the disc is in perfect condition (before its expiration date) and at speeds lower than that. If you use the right cutting tool, wheel, and speed/feed settings, you can keep yourself safe from projectiles. Injury to the worker can occur if the tool falls to the ground or is thrown at him as a result of a kickback. Goggles, a hard hat, safety shoes, and gloves are all essential pieces of PPE to keep you safe from projectiles.

Angle grinders are potentially dangerous pieces of portable electrical equipment that pose risks of fire, electric shock, and other injuries if used improperly. If an individual’s clothing is too long, they should tie it back, trash and rags should be kept away from the spinning wheel, and safety equipment should be in place at all times. Also, drivers need to check the vehicle visually before each use, schedule regular portable appliance testing, and keep cords out of the way of moving parts. We’ve made a versatile side handle and included a safety incentive for workers to keep it in place at all times. Toothed saw blades and other accessories not intended for use with an angle grinder have been known to find their way into the hands of unscrupulous individuals, and any employee caught without a guard or a side handle faces immediate termination.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. Users of grinders should protect themselves by donning goggles, spark-proof gloves, FR outerwear, and a full-face shield. They need to wear dust respirators and keep a safe distance from the tool and the workpiece if they are inside or in a confined area. After taking a disc out of its packaging, operators should check it for flaws and discard any items that raise red flags. Safety can be increased with the addition of more watchful eyes.

The most critical information presented here is a set of guidelines for safe use of an angle grinder by any user. To ensure the integrity of the wheel, it is recommended to run it unloaded for at least one minute, turn it away from customers and employees, and let the disc spin freely for at least one minute. The operator is the single most important factor in ensuring a risk-free operation; if a part is dropped, the safest course of action is to replace the part. Last but not least, always report unusual occurrences to your supervisor or a safety officer. Try to find an angle grinder that allows you to swap out the grips, has a dead-man switch or an automatic shutoff, has tool guards that aren’t cumbersome to carry around, and covers at least half of the disc. Don’t cut any deeper than twice the thickness of the disc, and make sure people who use angle grinders in the workplace have the knowledge they need to work safely.

Make sure the angle grinder’s disc, cover, handles, and guard are all in safe working order, and that the disc has been properly flanged and locked in place before using. Use both hands, keep the object at an angle of 15° to 30° with respect to the grinding wheel, grind at chest level, and rest your hands and arms often. Make sure the power is off before you change the discs. The grinder should be unplugged and stored on a workbench with the cutting disc facing up when not in use.

Best Angle Grinder In 2021 Review

If you are busy and don’t have the time to read our best angle grinder post, we chose the DeWALT DWE402 model as our top choice. This powerful angle grinder comes with a 3 year warranty and weighs only 6.05 lbs. This 4 1/2 inch DeWALT grinder is an impressive tool that runs at a speed of 11,000 RPM. The DWE402 has a very sturdy build and ergonomic design that can handle any grinding task if you put it to the test.

Angle grinders are easily found at construction sites, metalwork shops and auto shops. They are handy tools that you just can’t lack in your tool arsenal. An angle grinder can come in handy, especially when trying to remove burrs, rust, cutting through masonry work, stripping off paint or cutting through concrete.

TOP 4: Best Angle Grinder on Amazon 2021 | Great for Householders

There are so many angle grinders on the market today, but most of the quality grinders often come with a hefty price tag. The low-cost options are often prone to wear and tear. If you consider the amount of power required to brush or cut tiles, concrete and metal, you will realize that low-cost angle grinders can’t handle the workload without breaking down. Read on.

Quick Comparison

DeWALT DWE 402

Bosch 1375A

Makita 9557PBX1

Ryobi P421 One

Porter Cable PC60TPAG

Milwaukee 2680-20

Our Top 6 Best Angle Grinders for 2021

The best angle grinders are not always the most expensive, sometimes all you need to do is buy the right tool for the tasks that you are likely to handle. Preferably, choose one that is built to last and gets the job done quickly.

An angle grinder is the one tool that you don’t want to miss as it speeds up your tasks. For instance, how fast can you cut thick steel using a hacksaw? How fast can file off rough edges on a steel door using a file? You can do it with any these tools but it would take less time if you were to use an angle grinder.

Generally, these tools are classified according to the nominal diameter of their accessories. Angle grinders are equipped with cutting and grinding attachments which are often described as abrasive. These accessories have particles that are bonded either onto a disk or wheel. The material used to make the wheel and the design of the wheel/disk is highly dependent on the application.

As the wheel/disk spins, the abrasive particles on the wheel scrapes away material. Eventually, the particles break from their bonds exposing new particles. This means that the more you use your angle grinder the more the disk or wheel wears out until it is too small that it’s not useful anymore.

Types of Angle Grinders

There are different angle grinders for different tasks; each type is suitable for certain tasks which we will discuss later on in this review. That said, it is vital to know the different types and the tasks they perform as it will help you choose the best angle grinder for the task at hand.

What are some of the angle grinder wheels available?

Angle grinders can’t function without certain accessories, which also includes wheels. The main types include; the standard grinding wheel, the wire wheel, the cutoff wheel and the flap disc. Angle grinder wheels are classified as consumables since they can only run for so long until they require replacements.

The standard grinding wheel is your go-to wheel for fast metal removal. You can use a grinding wheel to clean up cuts, prepare metal for welding or grind out welds. They are known to produce large, hot sparks, which will easily melt into glass or burn holes in clothing.

After you are done cleaning up cuts or grinding out welds, you then use a flap disc to smoothen the surface. The flap disc cleans up burrs unlike the standard grinding wheel which makes the burr.

Flap discs are available in different grits; coarse grits are suitable for rough work while higher grits are best suited for fine work. Flap discs are commonly used in heavy-duty finishing work. It is advisable the flap disc on exposed corners and edges of metal that is likely to be handled by people with unprotected hands.

Cutoff wheels are relatively thinner than their grinding counterparts and are best used to cut out welds, shorten bolts or cut plate and sheet metal. The only part of the wheel that is used is the edge. This is because the wheel is so thin such that if the face front or back face is used it will weaken the fibers holding together the wheel.

The thin frame of the cutoff wheel allows it to cut metal faster than other angle grinder wheels. They also tend to shatter very easily so be careful when using a cutoff wheel.

Now, this is one is for cleaning rust and paint. You will find that the more abrasive the wire wheel is the thicker and more twisted its bristles will be. Straight and thin bristles tend to be less abrasive which might not be sufficient for fast rust and or paint removal. Straight bristle wire wheels are best used on die grinders and power drill attachments.

Other wheels/ discs worth mentioning are diamond discs, wood discs and grit disc.

DeWALT DWE402 4 ½ Angle Grinder

DeWALT is a company that needs no introduction, they are market leaders in the power tools industry. It is a trusted brand with quality and powerful tools to its name. We have reviewed several DeWALT products in the past such as their circular saws and table saws, another one of these products is the DeWALT angle grinder.

The DeWALT angle grinder is equipped with a powerful 11 Amp motor that boasts of 11,000 rpm, which is just the right amount of power for heavy-duty use. In fact, its power to weight ratio is unparalleled. In addition to that, the DWE402 features the one-touch guard that eases the operations. It makes it easy for you to have a closer look of how the DeWALT unit works with its 360-degree rotation.

Durability

How does the DWE402 hold up in the usual day-to-day tasks? The brand DeWALT assures you of quality products and the DWE402 is no exception. DeWALT has the perfect combination of sturdy plastic and heavy-duty metal, which ensures that your angle grinder can handle vigorous grinding jobs without breaking down.

DeWALT Grinder Power

The DWE402 packs an 11 Amp motor with the capacity to rotate at 11,000 revolutions per minute. For its size, the DWE402 is surely powerful. The motor is powerful enough to undertake small to medium tasks. The DWE402 runs at 1.8 horsepower and has an auto-off brush that helps save on battery life and reduce chances of tool damage.

DWE402 Size

This DeWALT angle grinder is the right size, it is not too big and neither is it too small. It undoubtedly heavier than similar small models as it weighs about 6 pounds. When we tried it out, we didn’t even notice the weight such that welding on the fly was a breeze. The tool was portable and allowed us enough flexibility to FOCUS on the intricate details without worrying if the additional weight would damage the finer details of the metal.

Its power to weight ratio is impressive and if the DWE402 model was any smaller it would probably make the grinding process difficult. But as it now stands, the DWE402 model performs as expected.

Best Angle Grinders In 2023 || Top Best Angle Grinders Review

DeWALT Dust Ejection System

The DeWALT 4 1 2 angle grinder is equipped with an ejection system that protects the internal mechanisms from dust build up which ensures that the performance of the angle grinder is not disrupted. The dust ejection system also helps to keep your workstation clean and tidy.

Quick Change Wheel

Changing a grinding wheel is not easy especially if you have used other tools to unwind the screws before you can swap the wheels. Fortunately for you, the DWE402 has made it easier by adding the quick change wheel. Not only does this quick change wheel make it easier to change the wheel without using tools but it also shortens the time spent.

DeWALT Paddle Switch

The addition of a paddle switch is a huge relieve since it is a lock off system that helps prevent accidents that could easily end up with you being hurt.

DeWALT Pros Cons

The DWE402 angle grinder has an impressive design and loads of features. It is ideal for professionals especially if you are working on heavy-duty jobs. It can also be used for DIY projects at home. The DWE402 has a 3-year warranty which covers poor workmanship and materials.

Overall, this DeWALT angle grinder is a great tool to work with, you can go for hours without overheating.

Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder

While small angle grinders tend to feel under powered compared to the larger grinders, Makita aims to disrupt this perception by introducing the 9557PB angle grinder. A small angle grinder that’s powered by a large motor that can handle small tasks with speed and power of a large grinder.

The Design

It is a 4 ½” grinder that combines a compact barrel-shaped motor housing with a small metal gearbox. It has a front handle that is easily installed on any side of the tool, where it screws in tightly providing you a firm grip. And is well positioned to allow a direct line of sight on whatever you are working on without having to strain.

Like earlier mentioned in this review, the Makita angle grinder has a compact barrel-shaped motor housing that’s made of hard plastic while the shaft and the gearbox are made of metal. All it components are hard wearing.

Makita Paddle Switch

The Makita angle grinder is turned on or off by pressing the large paddle switch that’s built into the barrel. The paddle switch is large enough such that it is easy to grip and hold down with your fingers. It also has a guard switch that is built into the paddle switch to prevent the paddle from engaging when it is not in use. This means you have to pull the guard forward so that you can unlock the paddle. Once the paddle switch is unlocked you can press it down to turn on the grinder. The guard switch is tiny which means you can only engage it with your pinky finger.

It takes some time to get used to releasing the guard then pressing the paddle switch all in one smooth motion. But once you get the hang of it, handling the grinder becomes second nature.

Black Guard

The guard is connected to the angle grinder via a steel compression fitting that is mounted around its shaft hosing where it is locked in place by a single screw. And screw secures the guard and keeps it locked in place without slipping or moving about.

The guard does an incredible job catching the sparks thus protecting you from any sparks would have come your way if the guard was not there. Those that are not collected, they are ejected downwards or to the side but towards you. The blade guard is heavy-duty and performs as exceptionally well.

The Makita 9557PB has a steel blade that rotates around the mount. It can be can be locked in any position. Its guard can accommodate a ½ inch cutting wheel.

Lock-On

At the end of the barrel you will find a lock-on feature that’s designed to lock the paddle in position. This helps to keep the motor engaged even after stop pressing the paddle switch. To disengage this feature you have to squeeze to release the paddle.

Disk changes on the Makita Angle Grinder

For most grinders, blade changing is not an easy task and neither is it easy to change a disc on the Makita 9557PB angle grinder. The 9557PB has a spindle lock button that secures the spindle in place. For you to remove the nut that secures the blade, you will need to use a grinder wrench.

The process might sound easy but it still does it make it less annoying. If you plan on using different sets of blades then go for an angle grinder with a hassle free disc change.

Grinder In Use

Even when the Makita 9557PB is not in use, you can tell it is powerful. It has a voltage rating of 120V and a maximum speed of 10,000 revolutions per minute. It has a 7 ½ Amp motor that is built for heavy-duty use. The 9557PB cuts through heavy steel without showing any signs of slowing down or overheating. Throughout our test period, the motor didn’t slow down even once.

One handed cuts are also a breeze as it only weighs 4.5 lbs.

Makita Pros Cons

The Makita 9557PB 4 ½” product is a tool that offers you great value for your money. It works well but you be careful not to overwork it as it may start overheating if used for too long. Also, you will start to notice the weight if you use it for long periods. The motor generates enough power to complete small to medium work without straining or sounding overworked. It also has a dual power option (AC/DC) that allows you to use it places with direct and/ or alternating current.

RYOBI 18V 4 ½” Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are not your everyday tool, they are specialist tools. Ryobi has mastered the art of making quality products at a.friendly price. The Ryobi 18V is a good example of this as provides 6500 rpm making it ideal for precision cutting and speed.

Its trigger switch is located near the handle making it easy for you to change the power according to the task at hand. This gives you the ultimate control over how your machine works. With one press of a trigger you can increase or decrease the power and it is all in the handle. The Ryobi 18V is a cordless angle grinder; however, batteries are not included so you have to buy them separately. Fortunately for you, it is compatible with batteries and chargers in the Ryobi system.

The handle is made of Ryobi GripZone overmold- a material that helps improve comfort levels even when held for extended periods of time. It is also adjustable allowing you to choose the best position for better control when grinding or cutting. The handle has three adjustable positions and they are don’t require the use of tools. Just like the handle, the wheel guard is also adjustable and is tool free.

This Ryobi grinder is part of Ryobi’s One range, a system that comprises of cordless power tools with interchangeable batteries. The system has 35 garden and power tools that all use the same type of batteries which is an advantage especially if you own more than one Ryobi One tool. It reduces you battery replacement cost as you can interchange the batteries any time one fails or drains down. All these tools use Lithium-Ion batteries that provide you with 18V of power which is enough to complete the task at hand.

Ryobi Pros Cons

The Ryobi unit is a grinder that tries to bridge the gap entry-level and pro-level angle grinders. It is worth checking out.

Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Angle Grinder

Milwaukee is one of our favorite brands due to a number of reasons but the main one remains to be its cordless angle grinders such as the 2680-20 model.

Milwaukee Grinder Battery

Since the Milwaukee 2680-20 is cordless it is powered by a Li-Ion battery with a voltage rating of 18V. The battery is connected to a 4 pole motor that rotates the disc at 9,000 revolutions per minute. The only downside is that the angle grinder does not come with grinding wheels or discs. Which means you have to buy them separately.

Milwaukee Paddle Switch

The location of the paddle switch greatly influences your positioning when working with an angle grinder. The better the paddler switch is positioned the more comfortable you will be working with the tool. For example, if the paddle switch is located further down the body you are more likely to enjoy better control. Paddle switches eliminate the need to use a lock-on button, which is actually much safer.

If you accidentally drop your angle grinder or lose control, it is better if the switch disengages immediately you let go. The Milwaukee 2680-20 angle grinder has a paddle switch design that shuts off immediately it you stop pressing onto the switch.

Tool-less accessory changes

It sucks having to use 2 or more tools just to change a wheel or disc. Milwaukee aims to reduce this providing with an angle grinder that does require any tool to change the wheel. You simply apply pressure on the wheel lock, pull in the direction of its spin and the wheel comes off.

Handle

The Milwaukee angle grinder has three adjustable handling positions. One at the top, another at the right hand side and the last one on the left hand side.

Milwaukee Performance

Angle grinders are mostly used by masons, metalworkers, welders and any other professionals. We decided to test the performance of the Milwaukee grinder when handling the basic angle grinder tasks. And to our surprise it held up pretty considering it has a maximum speed of 9,000 rpm. We were able to cut threaded rod, copper pipes as well as remove brick mortar with ease.

The angle grinder is powered by a 3 Amp motor which is powerful enough for small tasks but not heavy-duty jobs.

Milwaukee Pros Cons

Overall it is a great tool but there are better products with more power and better battery capacities.

Bosch 1375A Angle Grinder

The Bosch angle grinder is a multipurpose tool that is designed to sharpen, deburr, brush, sand and grind. It is a small angle grinder that is easy to use in tight spaces or corners. It is designed with the utmost comfort in mind and it is powerful enough to rival some of the bigger models.

Bosch Grinder Features

The Bosch unit features a dual-position handle that allows you to hold your angle grinder in a more natural position, which makes the operation as seamless as possible. It weighs only 3.5 lbs making it the lightest grinder in this review. It so lightweight that you will not have to contend with sore wrists or tired arms due to longs hours of work.

The 1375A grinder has a lock-on feature that allows you to continue grinding even after you let go the off and on switch. The button is located on the side making it easy for you to turn it on or off at a moment’s notice.

Bosch Versatility

It has a 6 Amp motor that generates enough power to operate at a maximum speed of 11,000 revolutions per minute. And although it has a small build, it tears through masonry projects with ease. When paired with dry diamond cutting wheels, you can use the Bosch angle grinder to cut tiles, stones and even brick. It uses are many all you need is swap the wheel for one that’s appropriate for the project at hand.

It also has an adjustable spindle that allows you to use the angle grinder with a wide range of attachments and accessories. The addition of a spindle lock makes it easy for you to change the wheels without the need to use tools. The whole process is tool free and hassle free.

Bosch Pros Cons

The Bosch angle grinder might be small but its power and versatility is like no other. It has great features and an impeccable design. It also features the variable speed technology that enables it to perform a wide range of functions.

What are some of the possible uses of an angle grinder?

Angle grinders are some of the most versatile tools in the power tools category. As a result, they have numerous uses. For example, if you work in a metal workshop you realize that most of the activities in the shop are tied to the angle grinder. Do you want to grind? An angle grinder is necessary. Do you want to scrap off dust from stones or metal? What do you use? An angle grinder of course.

However, you need to know that different uses call for different wheels or discs. For instance, the wheel you use for cutting is not the same wheel you will use for polishing or grinding. You’ll need to have a number of discs each for the different activities you are likely to undertake.

Below are some of the common uses of angle grinders:

Cutting metal:

The most common use is cutting metal. It is an activity that happens every day, whether it is in a workshop, at home or at construction site. At any one of these places, you are likely to cut metal and traditional methods of using a hack saw, tend to be time consuming, tiresome and slow. Speaking of saws check out this review of the best chain saws. But when you use an angle grinder it cuts iron rebar much faster making more efficient and leaves you with enough time to work on other things. You can cut any type of metal with an angle grinder. However, for this task you will need a specific disc either a metal cutting wheel or a metal cut-off blade.

Removing paint:

Removing paint is a time consuming task but it is made easier and quicker by use of an angle grinder. You see, for you to repaint an object you have to scrub off the old paint. A task that could have probably taken you a full day to complete is done in half the time. All you need is an angle grinder and a wire wheel. You simply attach the wire wheel onto the grinder and you are good to go. Hold the angle grinder onto the surface of the object and the spinning wire wheel will remove the paint. The process is much easier and faster compared to the use of hard paper.

Cutting tiles, concrete and stone:

Do you know that you can cut through concrete and stone with an angle grinder? And not just you can even cut the very fragile tiles. However, you don’t just wake up one day and decide you want to cut stones. You need to have the right protective gear and the right disc which in this case is a diamond blade. These kind of blades are super strong, expensive and last longer. Once you have the diamond blade, the rest is just like cutting metal. You clamp or put the stone in a place where it can’t move while cutting and turn on the angle grinder. Here, you are likely to apply more pressure so as to cut through the stone or concrete.

Sharpening blades:

Not only can you use this power tool to cut objects but you can also use it to sharpen blades. It is much more effective and faster to use angle grinders than sharpening stones or files. Sharpening blades is a necessity in our everyday lives since shovels, lawn mowers and any other tool with blades becomes blunt after being used for a certain period. When this happens you will need to secure the blade to a clamp and sharpen it with the grinding wheel attached to an angle grinder. Be careful not to damage the blade.

Metal cleaning Polishing:

Rust and dust have become a menace in our construction sites. The best way to clean these metals with rust is by using angle grinders. Instead of using the standard grinding wheel you will use a wire wheel or a wire cup brush. The wire cup brush is best suited for wide areas while the wire wheel is ideal for cleaning tight spaces. These wheels and brushes can also be used to clean or polish stone and concrete.

Grinding motor:

For you to carry out any tuck-pointing works it is advisable that you remove the old mortar. You can do so by using an angle grinder equipped with a special kind of wheel- the diamond tuckpointing wheel.

What are some of the specs you should for in an angle grinder?

Most of us judge angle grinders by their motor power and wheel size. Which is great but there is more to an angle grinder than just motor power and wheel size.

Angle Grinder Motor Power

Since this is the first thing you are likely to check when looking for the best angle grinder, we are going to discuss it in depth. Motor power is best gauged by looking at certain specs, which include revolutions per minute, wattage, Amps and horsepower.

Amps:

It is the measure of the motor’s power. Most range between 5-9 amps which is enough power for grinding and cutting jobs. Anything that goes below 5 amp is not powerful enough to handle heavy-duty jobs. And if it goes above 10 amps, it is more power than is needed in the usual DIY projects.

Horsepower:

It is rarely shown in small angle grinders but it is worth checking out. There are some that max out at 5 horsepower which is more than enough power for a handheld tool.

Revolutions per Minute:

This is the speed of rotation of the wheel or disc. It is how fast the disc spins. The larger the angle grinder the lower the speed of rotation.

Wattage:

If you want an angle grinder with more power then look for an angle grinder with a higher wattage. For instance, large wheels require more power which translates to high wattage requirements.

Angle Grinder Wheel Size

The wheel size comprises of the maximum wheel diameter that’s compatible with the grinder. A large wheel size allows you to complete the task faster since it covers a larger surface area. These large size wheels are ideal for heavy-duty projects and work that involves grinding mortar or working with sheet materials and slabs.

Small size wheels are more versatile and offer better precision compared to the large size wheels. They are suitable for performing light tasks such as cutting metal, sharpening blades and removing rust.

Corded vs. cordless

I will take corded any day over the cordless model, unless power outlets and mobility are priority issues. The batteries of cordless angle grinders tend to drain very fast making it impossible to use it for long periods without having to recharge or change batteries. If batteries are an issue you can always buy petrol-powered models.

Gears

Speaking of gears, you want your angle grinders to have metal gears as they can they can withstand the amount of power generated by the grinder. Nylon and hard plastic gears tend to wear out faster.

Angle Grinder Weight issues

You want a tool that has a balanced weight to power ratio. A lightweight model may seem like the best way but you to ensure that the power tool is well balanced and feels steady in the hand. If they are too light tend to break easily due to the use of cheap or fragile components.

Handle and Interchangeability

The ideal angle grinder should have a hassle free accessory change such as wheels. Interchangeability allows you to swap one disc/wheel for another making it easy for you to undertake different tasks with the same angle grinder.

As for the handle, it is advisable that you get an angle grinder that has an adjustable side handle. A feature that makes it easy to use both hands to operate the grinder. A handle with an anti-vibration feature is an added advantage.

Additional features include the safety lock, safety clutches, soft start and spindle lock.

Ensure that you follow the necessary safety precautions before using any of these angle grinders.

Thanks for reading our best angle grinder review and make sure to leave your experiences below

How to Use an Angle Grinder – 9 Tips to Grind Like a Pro

We got our Pro team together to give you some tips on how to use an angle grinder from basics to some advanced techniques and shortcuts. Angle grinders are controlled by either a trigger, paddle, or switch. They spin a disc at an incredible rate of speed for the express purpose of sanding, grinding, or cutting.

Due to the Rapid advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, the many angle grinder uses have expanded dramatically. This makes it a versatile tool used by a wide range of professionals. With so much flexibility at your disposal, the angle grinder also has a steep learning curve compared to many other tools.

– When Using an Angle Grinder, Protect Yourself!

Before you use an angle grinder, you’ll want to grab some personal protection gear. The reality of the angle grinder is that it’s a loud tool that kicks a whole lot of debris around. Plus, you’re not always grinding or polishing. Oftentimes, the job entails cutting. If you get sloppy with a cutting wheel or simply have bad luck, that wheel could turn into high-speed shrapnel.

For these reasons, you’ll do yourself a favor if you grab some hearing protection, long sleeves, gloves, and something to shield your entire face. You don’t want to take a hot shard of cut-off wheel to the moneymaker, after all. A grinder can also ruin your clothing, so wear protective outerwear if you don’t want pinholes in your clothes from flying hot metal.

Pro Tip: Having a cutting wheel fly apart on you at 10,000 RPM is no joke. There’s nothing you can do when it happens. As a result, you want to always wear a full face shield when using a cutting wheel—even when using a guard. Grinding and using a flap disc doesn’t typically present the same level of danger, so the guard and adequate eye protection are often enough.

– Perform a Ring Test on Grinding Wheels

We recommend doing what’s known as a “ring test” on any grinding wheel before affixing it to your grinder. You can actually do this on bench grinders as well. You basically suspend the grinder wheel from a pencil or other project. Then, gently tap it with the handle of a screwdriver or similar tool—anything not made of metal. Rotate it 180 degrees and do it again. A wheel in good condition should let out a distinctive metallic “ringing” sound.

That metallic ring comes indicates the integrity of the grinder wheel. An internally- or externally-cracked wheel typically stops the vibrations at the damaged point—preventing a clear ring. While the ring test does a good job of giving you an idea of the integrity of the wheel, you also want to follow up with a quick visual inspection.

Once you’re reasonably certain of the integrity of your grinding wheel, go ahead and mount it. The last thing we recommend before starting is to run that wheel on its own (pointed away from your face) for 15-30 seconds. This helps you know (by feel) if it’s properly centered and mounted and if there are any issues with the wheel balance.

– Angle Sparks Away from Your Body

Because angle grinders quickly remove lots of material, lower the risk as much as possible by positioning the tool properly. Using an angle grinder in different applications and with certain attachments calls for different angles. Ensuring sparks and debris fly away from your body reduces your chances of getting injured. Your work clothes will last longer, too!

– When Surface Grinding and Using Flap Discs

For surface grinding, use the flat part of the wheel, maintaining a 20°-30° angle between the tool and the work surface. Position the blade guard at the back toward your body. Use a smooth back-and-forth motion to guide the flap disc over the material. Let the wheel do the work, but feel free to apply enough pressure to ensure you’re being productive.

You can really grind down welds quickly in preparation for painting using this method.

– How to Hold an Angle Grinder When Using Cutting Wheels

You should tackle cutting straight on since you want to use the edge of your wheel to cut into the work surface. Be careful not to bend the cutting wheel in any direction. In this mode, the guard always goes on top to protect you from debris. Wearing a face shield also protects you against premature disc failure. And remember—if the guard isn’t between the cutting disc and your face—move it until it is.

Also—and this might go without saying—never “plunge cut” a cutting wheel into the material. Cutting at the 12 o’clock position is a recipe for kickback and loss of control. Instead, cut downward as shown in the image above.

– Guard Yourself Against Kickback

Kickback occurs any time the grinder wheel stops suddenly. This forces the grinder in the opposite direction of the rotation at the point of pinching. Knowing how to use an angle grinder in a way that avoids this can keep you safe. For cut-off applications, this can happen when the waste piece sags under its own weight—suddenly pinching the blade and causing the tool to transfer all that rotational energy into a kickback event.

Guard against this by properly using blade guards and by supporting your material properly so it doesn’t sag when making an abrasive cut.

You can also experience kickback when using abrasive wheels to grind down material. Corners, sharp edges, and other areas present possible points of kickback that can damage and/or stop a wheel suddenly. Take care to use the auxiliary handle in a way that gives you leverage to protect yourself should this occur. Never EVER use a grinder with one hand!

– Using a Grinder for Light Work or Sanding

For sanding applications, hold the tool at a 5°-10° angle to the work surface. For pretty much all grinder applications, apply only minimum pressure. You want to let the tool and the abrasive accessory do the hard work.

– Your Accessories Need to Match the RPM of the Grinder

Check the manufacturer’s specs when attaching your wheel, disc, or cup. The max RPM on the accessory should meet or exceed the max RPM of the grinder you plan to use. If the rated speed of the accessory is lower than your grinder, you run the risk of the wheel flying apart.

– Never Use Toothed Blades on a Grinder

I don’t care if a company offers circular saw-style blades that fit your grinder. These tools operate at a significantly higher RPM than any handheld circular saw. You NEVER want to use toothed blades on a grinder. That includes those “wood carving chain discs” that use chainsaw teeth as well as anything with carbide-toothed blades. Just don’t do it.

Additional Pro Tips on How to Use an Angle Grinder

If you’ve got any additional tips or tricks on how to use an angle grinder, feel free to leave a comment below.

Angle Grinder Safety Tips

Angle grinders, sometimes known as side grinders or disc grinders, can be found in multiple sizes and be powered by electric, gas, or pneumatic. This power tool is an amazingly versatile machine that can be used for so many tasks like cutting, sanding, and buffing. It is definitely something that almost everyone can benefit from owning. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with safe and Smart practices.

There is a wide selection of products available at EmpireAbrasives.com that will work with your angle grinder, from flap discs and grinding wheels to polishing discs and wire wheels. We’d like to provide these safety tips with you so that you get the most out of these products while preventing any potential harm that can be caused to you or others by improper use of an angle grinder.

What Makes an Angle Grinder Dangerous if Mishandled?

An angle grinder is a very powerful tool. They most often spin anywhere from 9000RPM to 11000 RPM, just inches away from your body, face, and hands. So, when you are using an angle grinder wire wheel, grinding disc, or cutting disc, any of them can easily cause severe damage to you or those around you if handled improperly. You can see how easily this tool can grind or cut through metal, so you definitely do not want to see what they can do to the human body. Whether it is for you or those around you, respecting the equipment and its safety requirements is always the smartest and safest thing you can do for yourself and any bystanders.

Angle Grinder Safety Tips

Always Wear Proper PPE

Even if you are just trying to do a quick cut or grind that should take a few seconds, you should always take an extra few seconds to put on the recommended PPE. OSHA recommends that you wear “eye hearing protection; leather gloves; natural fiber clothing; apron and respiratory protection as needed.” In addition, you should also avoid wearing loose fitting clothing and tying back long hair.

Use the Proper Wheel Size

Each angle grinder comes with their own recommended disc sizes. Those guidelines are there for a reason. Imagine you have a 9″ x 1/8″ x 7/8″ Pipeline Cutting and Grinding Disc on a grinder that is built to use an abrasive wheel like a 4-1/2″ x 1/4 x 7/8″ Grinding Disc. Even though the disc might fit on your grinder, it does not mean that it is properly calibrated for safest operation. The disc can become unstable, wobble, and will kickback toward the operator.

Additionally, when you are using any power tool or piece of machinery, it is important to remember sizes can affect the RPMs.

Match the RPMs with your Wheel’s Allowance

Another important spec on your angle grinder will be the RPMs. Every grinding disc, wire wheel, etc. should have the maximum recommended RPM noted on the face of the abrasive, packaging, and/or the product description. Never use an abrasive tool that has a lower recommended RPM than your angle grinder is capable of spinning at.

The abrasive discs are designed to work only up to the recommended speeds. You risk destroying the discs when used at higher speeds that also causes more force/pressure than the disc can safely handle.

Use the Safety Guards as Designed

All the safety features on your tool are there for a reason. Guards installed on angle grinders are designed to be a barrier between your hands and body from the spinning disc and to also protect you in the event that your abrasive wheel or disc breaks or shatters. Almost all angle grinders have a burst proof guard for this reason. They have been designed to have a locking mechanism that prevents the guard from opening itself automatically to the operator in the event your wheel shatters. Those guards are not something you should ever work without being attached.

Some grinders have a guard that can be maneuvered to avoid working from awkward angles. If yours doesn’t have that feature, then you should only use it in the positions that feel comfortable to you rather than removing the guard just to make it work.

Don’t Tinker with the Machine

Some angle grinder owners may want to customize their tool, but we advise against this. If there are any customizations that you are considering, you should first contact the manufacturer or your angle grinder. They could easily provide you with data on why some modifications are okay whereas others are incredibly dangerous to do.

Only use accessories that are actually designed for an angle grinder. When you start rigging something to work, you are setting yourself and the machinery up for failure. Not only do you risk breaking your grinder (and likely voiding any warranty), but you put yourself and others around you at risk for a serious injury. If you are unsure if a particular accessory matches your grinder, you can usually find the information in a product description or you can give a quick call to the manufacturer.

Inspect the Abrasives

Accidental drops to happen. You may not have done it, but someone could have. You can observe to see if there is any damage to the accessory and if it is no longer safe to use it. Whether you are working with a used disc or a brand new abrasive, you should always inspect the wheel first. Cutting wheels can take a beating during shipping or be accidentally dropped during storage. Inspecting for chips, cracks, or any other damage before using the wheel helps your machine perform its best while keeping you and others around you safe from breaks and shatters. Remember: if you are questioning if something is wrong with the accessory do not use it!

Warm Up Inspect the Grinder

Whether you are just picking it up for start of the day, coming back from break, or taking it from another worker.- let the angle grinder run with the accessory attached for at least one full minute before using it. This gives the machine a chance to warm up and get up to full speed while also giving you a chance to feel, hear, or see if the grinder is in its ideal working condition.

Avoid Fire Hazards

Any time you are grinding or cutting metal with an angle grinder, you will be shooting out sparks around your work area. These sparks can be highly flammable. To avoid igniting an accidental fire, make sure the work area is clear of any flammable material or kindling and make sure there are no flammable liquids or gasses in the area.

Tighten Discs Properly

Unless you have a Metabo angle grinder with a special mechanism to tighten and release your discs, your angle grinder should have come with a special pin wrench. This wrench is to tighten and loosen a grinding disc from your angle grinder. If you lost your wrench, we carry an adjustable spanner nut wrench made specifically for this and fits any angle grinder size.

When tightening the wheel or disc, always use the wrench to make it a snug fit. Many people hand tighten their wheels, which can be dangerous when in use. There is no need to make it extra tight, just a snug fit that you otherwise couldn’t do by hand.

Maintain Control with Two Hands

One of the biggest safety tips is to always be in complete control of the machine. It is important to always have two hands on the tool in the correct positions. Having both hands on the grinder gives you far more control and much better leverage. You always want to have one hand on the side handle and one hand on the back of the grinder.

Additionally, never carry the angle grinder with your finger on the power button.

Do Only New Operators Make Mistakes?

While it is very common for new operators to make rookie mistakes in regards to their safety and those around them, it is also very common for people who have been operating them for a long time to make careless mistakes. When we become overly confident in ourselves, we sometimes tend to make very dangerous decisions. If you spend a few minutes on YouTube, you can find a lot of mistakes by experienced operators. Be careful if you are looking up some of these videos though. Some of the injuries are pretty gnarly.

If you are new to any piece of technology or machinery it is very important to familiarize yourself with it and its safety requirements prior to using it. It is very easy to make even the smallest mistake that can become life threatening just from lack of adequate training or not understanding or respecting the equipment. Make sure you understand all safety features that are with any tool you are going to use. If you do not have the manual, most of them are just a quick Google search away.

Need Help Picking Out the Right Accessory for Your Angle Grinder?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We know how difficult it can be when a few products may work for you and we’re here to help guide you as best we can. Please feel free to reach out to one of our experts at Empire Abrasives, 1-800-816-3824. Whether you are experienced or a novice.- we are always happy to lend a helping hand.